Martin Kaymer Running Away With It in Abu Dhabi

Martin Kaymer shot a 66 to stretch his lead to five shots at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and now has victory within in reach with just 18 holes to play.

Kaymer has looked every bit the favourite putting together a stretch of play that hasn’t seen him make a bogey since his third hole in round one and is now five clear of Rory McIlroy.  It’s just a whole bunch of red all over his scorecards.

The young German isn’t driving it all that straight, but that hasn’t seemed to matter as he’s hit an average of 15 greens over his first three rounds.

The only real scenario that sees Kaymer losing hold of his lead and, ultimately, relinquishing victory is if McIlroy gets off to a quick start, putting some pressure on the 2010 PGA Champion, and Kaymer’s wayward driving starts costing him a few shots.

Far back in second on both the betting and leaderboard is Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy who will carry a (6-1) to the final round.

McIlroy finally managed a bogey free round on Saturday in a tournament that has been a collection of colourful scorecards for the 21-year old.

McIlroy has made an eagle in each of the first three rounds, so the ability to make a quick move is there.  He’ll need it if he’s going to have any chance at catching his Ryder Cup teammate.

David Lynn is one behind McIlroy, six back of the leader, and it’s hard to imagine a player who had just a single top-10 last season making a real run at one of the world’s best.

Not to mention, he only broke 70 once in any final round he played in 2010, so he’s not anywhere near being a closing threat on Sunday.

Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I've played the game for 40 years and I still haven't the slightest idea how to play  - Gary Player